The skin around the eyes is much thinner than that of the rest of our faces. This means that whatever we put on our eyes, the skin tends to absorb the ingredients more readily. Plus, the skin around the eyes has fewer glands, which reduces the skin’s ability to act as a barrier against external substances. Having this thought in mind, can you imagine what makeup can do to our eyes? If containing harsh chemicals, the makeup can cause allergic reactions and inflammation, leading to poor eye health.
In an attempt to reduce the risk factors, many women and makeup enthusiasts resort to gentler alternatives. Choosing safe and hypoallergenic makeup products is the best thing you can do for your eye’s health. If you’re looking for more conscious beauty choices, think about buying non-toxic eye makeup as a safer alternative to traditional makeup products.
What is Toxin Free Eye Makeup?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the terms “toxic” and “toxin-free. In an attempt to clarify the confusion between what it means something to be toxic and toxin-free, here are some key differences to know.
The term toxin-free refers to cosmetic products formulated with gentler chemicals/ingredients that have a much lower risk of causing allergic reactions as opposed to traditional beauty products. This means that the product does not contain synthetic chemicals and irritants found in conventional makeup products. The ingredients are mostly sourced from natural compounds found in nature and, as such, they are gentler on the skin around the eyes.
Conventional makeup products may contain ingredients produced in a laboratory that are too harsh for the skin around the eyes and the eye itself. Opposed to that, non-toxic eye makeup typically contains nourishing and beneficial ingredients such as botanical extracts, natural minerals and plant-based oils.
So, how do you know if makeup is toxic? Determining if a product is toxic or not can be quite challenging. Sometimes companies label their products as non-toxic, which turns out not to be the case when doing deeper research about the ingredients list. However, certain ingredients may be too harsh for the eyes such as phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and petroleum-derived ingredients. If you have sensitive eyes, it’s recommended to avoid makeup for eyes containing some or all of these ingredients.
Why Non-Toxic Makeup is Better For Your Eyes
Reduced Risk of Irritation and Allergic Reactions
Natural ingredients make up the highest percentage of the eye makeup content. The combination of natural ingredients and less aggressive colourants is what makes the formula hypoallergenic. As such, hypoallergenic eye makeup is suitable for individuals with sensitive eyes and skin and significantly reduces the risk of irritation, redness and allergic reactions.
Safe for Those Who Wear Contact Lens
Because the non-toxic formulation is very gentle on the skin and the eyes, people who wear contacts are advised to use hypoallergenic makeup. By doing so, they minimise the risk of discomfort, dryness and any other adverse interactions between the contact lenses and the makeup. Non-toxic makeup promotes greater comfort and overall better eye health.
Common Ingredients Used in Non-Toxic Makeup
Mica
Mica is one of the most common ingredients used in natural and non-toxic makeup for eyes. This is a natural mineral that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is non-toxic. This mineral is highly preferred among makeup producers for its shimmering and reflective properties, and the luminous finish it gives to eye shadows, highlighting powders and other eye makeup products.
Silica
Silica is another ingredient commonly found in non-toxic and natural makeup products. It is a naturally occurring mineral derived from silicon dioxide and is mostly used for its mattifying and oil-absorbing properties. When added to eye makeup, silica helps control the shine, creating a smooth and velvety texture. Because of its oil-absorbing properties, silica is an ideal choice for oily to combination skin types.
Titanium Dioxide
If you’re using SPF, then you’re most probably familiar with the benefits of titanium dioxide as it is commonly found in various sunscreens. Titanium dioxide is a white mineral used in eye makeup, foundations and sun-protective creams for its ability to provide UV protection. It also helps brighten and even out the skin tone, while offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This mineral is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for people with skin sensitivities and allergies.
Iron Oxides
Iron oxides are another safe ingredient found in natural and non-toxic makeup products. They are naturally occurring pigments used to add colour to a wide range of makeup products, including eye shadows, mascara and eyeliners. Iron oxides come in various hues, from earthy browns to reds, vibrant blues and greens. They are excellent natural colourants that provide impressive shade results and long-lasting power. They are a safe and non-toxic alternative to synthetic dyes and pigments.
Plant-Based Oil and Waxes
Many non-toxic makeup products contain plant-based oils and waxes such as jojoba oil, coconut, beeswax, carnauba wax, etc. When used in a makeup formulation, they help hydrate and soften the skin, act as emollients and provide a slip and glide during application. Plant-based oils and waxes not only enrich the overall texture of the eye makeup but are also better tolerated than petroleum-derived ingredients.
